DOE Relay Optics for Adjustable Uniform Laser Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in precisely controlling the fan angle and distribution of laser beam profiles using cylindrical lenses, particularly in achieving high length-to-width ratios and uniform intensity distributions, which are essential for adjustable laser lines in illumination and imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical system utilizing a diffractive optical element (DOE) and relay optics to create a laser line with desired uniform intensity profiles and Gaussian distributions, combined with bifocal relay optics and imaging optics to adjust focal lengths and magnifications along different axes, enabling precise control over the length and width of the laser beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical lens is used to focus or diverse a Gaussian laser beam in one direction, then a laser line with Gaussian profiles in two dimensions can be provided, but the manufacturing precision and control over fan angle and beam distribution are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cylindrical lens (mechanical/optical element) with a diffractive optical element (DOE) that uses diffraction theory to control beam shaping. This substitution allows for precise control over fan angle and beam distribution through computational design of the DOE structure, overcoming the manufacturing precision limitations of traditional cylindrical lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using a cylindrical lens with fixed geometric parameters to a DOE with programmable diffraction patterns. By adjusting parameters of the DOE (such as groove depth, width, and spacing), precise control over fan angle and beam intensity distribution is achieved, while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized DOE fabrication processes.
2Ease of operation
If a cylindrical lens is used to create a laser line, then the beam can be focused or diversified in one direction, but the length-to-width ratio is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam shaping function into two independent parts: a DOE that controls the fan angle and intensity distribution in one direction, and a separate lens system that controls the beam in the perpendicular direction. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component, enabling precise control over the length-to-width ratio while maintaining ease of operation through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary relay optical system between the DOE and the final beam output. This intermediary system includes additional lenses that can be adjusted to achieve the desired length-to-width ratio. The relay optics act as a mediator that translates the DOE's diffraction pattern into the final controlled beam profile, providing flexibility in ratio adjustment without compromising operational ease.
3Manufacturing precision
If a cylindrical lens is used to redistribute the input Gaussian beam to a uniform intensity profile, then uniform distribution can be achieved, but the fan angle and beam distribution control are challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cylindrical lens with a DOE that uses diffraction to control beam redistribution. The DOE can be designed with specific groove patterns that produce uniform intensity profiles while allowing precise control over fan angle through computational optimization. This substitution maintains manufacturing precision for intensity uniformity while improving ease of operation for fan angle adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the system by combining a fixed DOE with variable focal length lenses in the relay optical system. This allows the fan angle to be dynamically adjusted by changing the focal length of the relay lenses, while the DOE maintains the uniform intensity distribution profile. This dynamic capability improves ease of operation without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves adjustable laser lines with precise control over intensity distributions and length-to-width ratios, overcoming manufacturing limitations of cylindrical lenses and enhancing performance in illumination and imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element (DOE) which is operative or configured to create a laser line with desired uniform intensity profile in one dimension (e.g., a long axis) and Gaussian distribution in another dimension (e.g., a short axis)
Implementation Method 2
A focal lens is positioned to receive the changed or modified optical or laser beam exiting the DOE and is operative or configured for focusing the changed or modified optical or laser beam
Implementation Method 3
A bifocal relay optics is positioned to receive the focused optical or laser beam exiting the focal lens and is operative or configured for positively or negatively magnifying, changing or adjusting at least one length or dimension or a shape of the focused optical or laser beam
Implementation Method 4
Imaging optics are positioned to receive, converge and output the magnified, changed or adjusted focused optical or laser beam exiting the bifocal relay optics as an output optical or laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating a two-dimensional optical or laser beam, line, or pattern includes a diffractive optical element (DOE) for changing or modifying an intensity distribution of an input optical or laser beam passing through the DOE. A focal lens receives the changed or modified optical or laser beam exiting the DOE and focuses the changed or modified optical or laser beam. A bifocal relay optics receives the focused optical or laser beam exiting the focal lens and magnifies, changes or adjusts at least one length or dimension or a shape of the focused optical or laser beam. Finally, an imaging optics receives, converges and outputs the magnified, changed or adjusted focused optical or laser beam exiting the bifocal relay optics as an output optical or laser beam.